History

Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg, the newly renovated Duke Energy Center for the Arts - The Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031-seat cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant Downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.

The facility first opened in the Spring of 1965 as part of the Bayfront Center entertainment complex. It was first renovated in 1987-1988 and at that time was renamed The Mahaffey Theater for the Performing Arts, for a St. Petersburg family who contributed significantly to the capital campaign.

Progress Energy and the City of St. Petersburg announced a 20-year partnership to rename the facility Progress Energy Center for the Arts that will feature visual and performing arts - including the newly renovated Mahaffey, the offices of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, the Center Plaza Waterfront Park and the new home of the Salvador Dali Museum. When Progress Energy merged with Duke Energy in 2012, the facility was renamed Duke Energy Center for the Arts.

Its beautiful setting, unparalleled entertainment and proximity to the lively downtown St. Petersburg area make Duke Energy Center for the Arts - The Mahaffey, THE live performance venue in the Tampa Bay area.